These are strange times for Roberto Martínez — preparing for the FA Cup Final tomorrow while the spectre of relegation looms, linked with the managerial vacancy at Everton while Dave Whelan, the Wigan Athletic chairman, suggests that the Merseyside club are not big enough for him.

Martínez said yesterday that it would be a “waste of time” if Everton or any other club were to think of hiring him when he is preoccupied with the final against Manchester City tomorrow and, beyond, by Wigan’s final two matches in an increasingly fraught battle to avoid the drop.